No wonder. Victor is dressed in his Christmas bowtie and red Kurgo Loft Jacket keeping him cute and cozy – both equally important when it comes to this strong-willed little devil of a terrier. (Red is his colour).

We’re out tonight braving the cold and trying various doggie paw protectors. I’ve rubbed protective wax – specifically 100% All Natural Invisible Boots for Pets – on Victor’s paws, but I’m suspecting most has worn off in the car on the way here. Wax is good for not-so-cold days when street salt is the primary concern. But tonight it’s cold enough for booties, which I still can’t find in the right size to stretch over his paddle-like paws. (Sorry, Muttluks, I really wanted you to fit).

At least for a while, Victor happily prances along Crystal Lake, the small creek that runs through the park. He loves new smells, stopping at every tree or pole – yet beelines it over the creek bridge pushing past families. Good thing he’s cute.

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We’re checking out the annual seasonal lights festival in the small town of Simcoe about 40-minutes from Hamilton, Ontario. It’s The Simcoe Christmas Panorama River of Lights, to be exact, and it extends across Colborne Street North along the rest of the river. But the park is most popular because that’s where visitors find vignettes like igloo-building penguins, skiing snowmen, scary jack-in-the-box, and train ready for photographs.

Also by the park is the hut selling apple cider and cinnamon apple donuts, which Victor didn’t want –good thing too because I later learned nutmeg is toxic to dogs and who knows if these homemade treats contain any? I have no choice but to eat them myself before we take our cold paws home.

TRAVEL GUIDE: From late November to January 1, 5:30 to 11:00pm, Simcoe has been lighting up downtown for five decades. For $2 per person, you can tour the entire festival via horse-drawn carriage. (Doubtful dogs can ride).

Simcoe is part of Norfolk County along the shores of Lake Erie and includes the towns of Simcoe, Waterford, Port Dover and Delhi in Southern, Ontario, Canada. Staying overnight? Book at the Travelodge through Trivago (affiliate link) for the best rate.